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Croup is a common childhood respiratory illness. It is usually caused by a virus. A harsh, seal-like barking cough makes croup easy to identify. Croup often affects children under the age of three. It occurs mostly in the late fall and early winter.

acute throat disorder common in children; marked by barking cough, hoarseness, and labored breathing due to obstruction of larynx; caused by infection, allergy, or irritation; dangerous to infants; treated with steam inhalation, antibiotics, and antihistamines.